A white SUV driven by a man in his 60s struck multiple pedestrians and street vendors on a sidewalk near the North Hollywood Metro station in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, killing three people and critically injuring others.

The crash occurred around 5:55 p.m. PST at the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Chandler Boulevard. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. At least three others, including two pedestrians and the driver, were transported to hospitals in critical or serious condition.

Los Angeles police said the vehicle traveled southbound on Lankershim and mounted the sidewalk, striking people gathered near a food stand and transit shelter. Witnesses described the SUV careening into the group during what appeared to be rush hour near the busy commercial district.

LAPD Captain Warner Castillo stated that the driver was conscious but in shock when removed from the vehicle and is undergoing evaluation by drug recognition experts to determine if he was under the influence of any substances. Police have not ruled out whether the incident was accidental or intentional, and investigators are collecting surveillance video and interviewing witnesses.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed heartbreak for the affected families and said her office is coordinating with city departments as authorities determine the cause. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger called for a full understanding of the events leading to the tragedy.

The victims have not been publicly identified. Reports indicate that some of those struck were street vendors who regularly operated in the area. The investigation remains in its early stages, with no other vehicles reported involved.